NRI, OCI and PIO (Bangalore)

Last year PIO was reported merged with the OCI scheme and there was a lot of issues with it. Then I was told that PIO will no longer exist, but there was no need to physically change your documents as long as they are valid (my PIO is valid for lifetime). So I decided not to do anything and I know many PIO holders not currently living in India who also just have their PIO cards.

However latest rumour is that the PIO documents are no longer valid and that you needed to apply for the OCI in a new process (however if living in India it can be done by the FRRO) and worse that deadline has exceeded.

So I am living in India illigal now?

For those who just like to know; NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) are Indian Citizens who live in another country.

PIO (Person of Indian Origin) used to be a 15 year and later lifetime visa for non-Indian citizens (often obtained by marriage or distant relatives)

OCIs (Overseas Citizen of India) are non-Indian citizens who have a lifetime visa to live and work in India with fewer restrictions.